"I
was the not-so-proud owner of a 1993 Chevy 6.5L Turbo diesel,
until I took it in for a paint job. I was snooping around
the shop and came across a Banks stinger kit for a Chevy
6.5L, which I asked the shop to install.
About
4 weeks later, my paint job was done and I finally got
to drive the truck
out of the shop. I usually have to
step down hard to make to old girl go, but when I did it
broke the back tire loose and I squealed them going out
of the shop. I forgot I had the Banks system! WOW, what
a huge
improvement.
Thanks
Banks for getting me hooked on power. Hey, any Ford or
Dodge guys wanna race?" —Sam Fraser;
Billings, MT
"We
recently installed Banks Exhaust Brake in our 2002 Chevy
3/4-ton diesel pickup. We pull a 13,000-lb 5th-wheel.
The results are amazing. Going down the highway at 70 mph,
I just take my foot off the acceleratorr and the truck
slows down to 15 mph before I step on the brake. Thanks
again for making such a fine product." —George
K. Reid; via email
"Curious
to see how Banks Stinger for my '94 GMC 6.5L turbo-diesel
pickup-and-trailer was helping, I had
an emissions test and dyno check. My truck has 72,000 miles
on it and the technician said he never saw readings so
high for a 6.5L, even when new. He checked the dyno
calibrations and ran it again to verify it. At 40 mph,
it measured 211 hp and 498 lb-ft of torque! At 50 mph:
120 hp, 407 lb-ft; at 60 mph: 136 hp, 350 lb-ft. I don't
think I'd have been able to get to Raton, let alone Denver,
without having the Banks
system installed." —Bruce A. Paige; Denver, CO
"With Banks Stinger,
my '94 Chevy 6.5L diesel does what it is supposed to do-work hard! WOW! What an incredible
improvement in virtually everything the machine does. I am one very pleased customer."
—Noel Belcher; Naturita, CO
"Banks modifications
made a world of difference to the performance of my pickup. You have a confirmed customer,
who has recommended you to several people." —Gary
T. Carr; St Louis, MO"
I am very satisfied
with the Stinger on my '93 Chevy 6.5L turbo-diesel. Other RV friends who drove my
pickup were very impressed. Your fine product has made me a salesman for your company."
—Fred C. Paul; Bella Vista, AR
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"I
bought my '86 GMC Suburban because of the diesel engine,
which made it unique. The only problem was, it was too
slow! Being a 16-year-old speed demon, I wanted more power.
I ordered the Sidewinder Turbo system for my truck. The
difference is like night and day! I've gone from being
the last truck out of the blocks at stoplights, to beating
my friend in his 350 TBI gas-powered Suburban. I love hearing
that turbo whistle under the hood as it pushes nearly 12
psi of boost! Now that's what I call performance. Thanks,
Banks!" —Mark Schneider; Houston,
TX
"The diesel Suburban
equipped with Gale Banks Sidewinder is now faster than any of the vehicles we tested
for Four Wheeler of the Year." —Four Wheeler magazine
"Now there is an aftermarket
system that can turn a diesel Suburban into the biggest hot rod in the neighborhood:
Banks' Chevy/GMC 6.2L Sidewinder turbo." —Motorweek
magazine
"A note to express my
satisfaction with the Banks Sidewinder turbo system I installed on my Suburban 4-wheel-drive.
(Notice I said I installed it) ... The performance improvement met every claim your
company made. In this day of ho-hum products and service, your company and personnel
sparkle." —Brad Knight; Piedmont, SC
"Your turbo is engineered
to work ... everything fit good, not marginal, but I expect that from Banks. The manual
was well prepared, with lots of diagrams to make the procedure easy. PS: Your sales
staff was polite, friendly and helpful." —Mr. and
Mrs. Lovon White; Battle Ground, WA
"The GMC/Banks truck
turned out to be the star of the show." —Motor Trend
magazine
"With the turbo on,
it acts like a gasoline V-8." —Trailer Boats magazine
"The Banks kit, specifically
tailored for 6.2L-powered Hummers, is the first of its kind in the country ... After
the installation of Banks Stinger, our results were even more impressive—0-to-30
mph times were chopped more than two seconds, and 0-to-60 mph dropped more than 10
seconds." —Four Wheeler magazine
"All hardware, fasteners
and castings are first-class value. In today's world, that's something else." —Charles
Bennett, President, Automotive, Industrial and Marine Machining Corp.; Manasquan,
NJ
"Works like a charm
... made the difference in keeping my truck." —Dave
Paperd; Okanogan, WA
"The Sidewinder turbo
for my 1987 Chevy Suburban 6.2 diesel has been installed close to a month now. Two
weeks ago my wife and I left southern Indiana, headed for Perry, Georgia pulling our
12,000-lb., 32-ft Alumalite. Before the turbo, my best speed with the trailer was
55-62 mph. With the Sidewinder 65-75 is the norm. Steep grades are easier now. I feel
the investment I made was money well spent." —Paul
Birch; Seymour, IN
"I recently purchased
a Sidewinder Turbo package to put on my Chevy truck. After some serious research of
the other aftermarket turbo companies, Gale Banks Engineering won out hands down.
The assistance I received from you and everyone at Gale Banks Engineering was not
only informative, but extremely courteous and a real pleasure to talk with.
On
vacation to Bull Shoals State Park in northern Arkansas,
there were several 7% and 8% grades. We pull
a 32' fifth-wheel at approximately 7,250 lbs. Prior to the
Sidewinder Turbo installation these grades would cause
some apprehension, NOT ANYMORE. We pulled them with NO
trouble.
To make a long story
short, I wish I'd bought the Banks Turbo sooner. Thanks Banks."
—Allan Dale Miller; Gilmer, TX
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"We are very pleased
with the additional power, and we are getting about 3 more mpg. We highly recommend
the PowerPack®." —L.C. Bostic; via e-mail
“When I got to your facility for my PowerPack illustration, I felt assured I
was in good hands. After I left, with the Friday traffic, I couldn't test it until
I started up the Cajon Pass. Stepped on the gas. It really took off. Passed a couple
of cars. Felt good.
On the Baker grade, I took that 18-mile climb up to 4000 feet with ease. I left most
of the traffic behind. I won't say how fast I was going but the engine didn't seem
to mind. Felt like it was asking 'why are you holding back?' Needless to say, I am
pleased with Banks PowerPack system.
Thanks again and if
anyone wants to know: I got it at GALE BANKS ENGINEERING in Azusa, California!"
—Mel Hurd; Las Vegas, NV
"We installed the PowerPack system on my Yukon and right away noticed better
performance and takeoff."
"We've always known
Banks products are top quality. Now we are experiencing it first-hand!" —Dick
York; Ketchum, ID
"Banks modifications made a world of difference to the performance of my pickup.
You have a confirmed customer, who has recommended you to several people." —Gary
T. Carr; St Louis, MO
"I'm very pleased with the Banks PowerPack system installed on my 2000 GMC 2500
Sierra 6.0L pickup. The increase in torque and power was immediately noticeable as
I drove home from the Banks facility in Azusa."
"I recommend Banks
Power products to other RVers and automotive enthusiasts who are interested in a quality
product that improves the performance of their vehicles." —Ron
Levendoski; via e-mail
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"The way Banks arrived
at substantial performance gains involved more than hands-on wrenching and luck. Computer
rooms, meticulously controlled dyno runs, flow-bench work and countless hours of matching
new prototypes, all in-house, result in output numbers it used to take a blower to
produce." —Four Wheeler magazine
"I purchased your PowerPack
and PowerStick cam kit for my Chevy 2500, which was packing a gutless 454-ci. I found
the instructions extremely easy to understand. After installation of the PowerPack,
fired it up and could tell I had something very good. (Nice exhaust note!) Took it
for a test drive and became a believer." —Craig Dean;
Lakewood, CA
"It feels as though
the truck took on an entirely new personality. Banks' 454 SS not only handles better,
it literally hugs the road, squatting and motoring through the tightest S-turns."
—Truckin' magazine
"Banks PowerPack gains
79 hp over stock at the 4-speed automatic transmission's 4300-rpm shift point, and
twists out 26% more torque at only 2600 rpm." —Motor
Trend magazine
"The real joy came climbing
a mountain pass. I hold 55 easily with passing power in high. Formerly, this was a
2nd-gear hill at 45 mph. Fuel economy is 20-25% better, plus I now use regular
(not premium) gas." —Burt and Nancy Court; Cucamonga,
CA
"The first weekend
after the PowerPack was installed on my Chevy 1-ton extended cab 4x4, I drove over
the 4,025-ft Blue Box Summit on Mt. Hood, and returned via the 4,817-ft Santiam Pass,
to Salem on the I-5 at a minimum of 65 mph. I probably shouldn't tell you I was passing
everything in sight—I was having so much fun with the horsepower."
"Previously, I
never attained even 10 mpg, but was amazed to find I averaged 12.5 mpg!"
"I guess you can
tell we are very pleased with your superior product." —Edward
A. Crane; Clackamas, OR
"[In addition to a TransCommand in our 1999 F-350 dually,] we've had PowerPacks
on a 1994 GM 454 Bounder and 1995 Chevy 454 dually. We were impressed by the conversions
and would use Banks products in the future." —Hugh
& Margaret Fowler; Littleton, NC
"I'm a geologist working the Oil Patch in western Canada: I need a tough 4X4
to get into some nasty country. I need reasonable fuel economy, as I drive 50,000
kilometers a year. And, I need a workhorse to haul my vintage 442s to the drag strip.
I had the PowerPack installed in my 1999 K2500 after it was broken in. Now I have
the best of both worlds … power and economy. With the driving I do, the system
will pay for itself in three years, and extend the life of the truck considerably.
I'll be keeping this truck, as it is just too damn good to sell when I mile her out
in the Oil Patch."
"Stock, the truck
gave me 16.3 mpg (remember, imperial gallons are 20% larger than US gallons.) With
the PowerPack, it jumped to 17.7 mpg. I had the truck on the dyno before and after
the PowerPack: I saw a 34% increase in rear-wheel horsepower and a 50% increase in
rear-wheel torque. Your product has proven itself to me and I recommend it to anyone
who asks about my truck." —Dave Nicol; Calgary,
Alberta, Canada
"Amazing, Outstanding, Great, Phenomenal (why doesn't GM install this [PowerPack]
system at the factory?? … doesn't say enough for the change in my big block GMC
truck."
"I was so disappointed
with the pulling power of the 454 in my 1995 GMC 3500 Crew Cab pickup, I actually
thought I'd bought a lemon. Pulling my 10,000-lb 32-foot travel trailer up a 6% grade
through the Alleghenies, I'd slow to about 40 mph, and the engine sounded as if a
rod could blow through the side at any time due to the high rpms." On my first
trailer pull after installing Banks PowerPack, I went across the Zilwaukee Bridge
above Bay City, Michigan at 70 mph, the truck bed was loaded with wood for our campfire.
The transmission never shifted below 3rd gear. I passed a number of other drivers
who were struggling to get their rigs over the top. I could actually pick up speed."
"The certified
mechanic who installed my system was impressed by the quality built into your product.
They commented on the engine's deep rumble, which indicates that it's breathing a
lot better. I told them it reminded me of the Buick Roadmasters of the late 40s and
50s that were equipped with a straight-8 engine. There were no other vehicles that
had that distinctive sound, until now."
"I've been an employee
of the General Motors Corporation for 34 years. Naturally, most of the men and women
I work with who drive pickups drive Chevy or GM. I can assure you that I have encouraged
every one of them to invest in the Banks PowerPack for their truck. Maybe GM should
hire Gale Banks to improve their trucks off the assembly line. It's nice to blow the
doors off a Ford or Dodge up a hill, under a load."
"Thank you for
making my truck the pulling beast it should be!"
"PS: I put the
Banks PowerPack nameplate on my tailgate. I figured that was where most of the other
drivers who don't have the Banks PowerPack would see it … as I passed them!"
—Ronald L. Murray, Sr.; Madison Heights, MI
"Recently I purchased
your PowerPack Stage III system for my 1993 Chevy one-ton pickup having a 454-CI engine.
I tow a fifth-wheel trailer weighing 11,000 pounds, and need the extra power when
I play around in the mountains ... As for the change in performance—WOW!"
"First off, let
me share my enthusiasm as to the little effort it took to install your system ...
Everything went together as advertised. It is one of the best engineered aftermarket
systems of any type that I have installed."
"I took the truck
to a high performance shop and they went absolutely ballistic over the workmanship
and quality. They couldn't get over the depth of the flanges on the [TorqueTubes].
We compared yours to a few other brands in the shop, and there was no comparison!"
"That 454 has come
to life. I could reach the redline limit in the past, but it took a while to get there.
Now, I have to be a wee bit careful!"
"The rough idle
(which I was told was 'common' for the Chevy big block) is gone."
"I notice a much
deeper tone to the exhaust, and that I like."
"As a product manager
I am well aware of quality issues, warranty requirements and customer complaints.
Well, let me assure you: this is no complaint! Thank you for an excellent job in engineering
a fantastic system, and using very high quality products in your effort." —Charles
Moats; Marion, IA
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"Long known for prowess
in assembling big-block Chevy engines for ultra-large rolling motorhomes, the company
has been squeezing every last bit of power from those intrepid slugs through well-engineered
products intended to make 5-ton terrors perform. We witnessed first-hand the easy
installation of Banks PowerPack on a '95 half-ton Chevy truck ... each item is designed
to provide the maximum fun per dollar and wake up the performance in your tried-and-true
sport truck." —Sport Truck magazine
"The increase in performance
is in line with my expectations, and I especially like the quietness of the muffler-exhaust
package. I'm proud of my new PowerPack and want to display your logo to let the world
know I drive a Banks Power truck. If ever I need to use my warranty, I'm confident
you'll be there for me." —Tom Crowley; Lakewood, CA
"I received your PowerPack
for my '94 Chevy 350-ci on Tuesday, left it with my mechanic on Thursday to install
by Monday. Later that same afternoon, he called to say the installation was complete.
I couldn't believe it. When I arrived he still had the truck on the lift and took
me on an undercarriage tour while extolling the virtues of your equipment, its quality
and workmanship. He was like a kid showing a new toy. He commented the stainless steel
components would most likely outlast the truck itself ... that it went on quickly
and fit like a glove. (Just for a moment, I was afraid he wouldn't let me take my
own truck home-he was enjoying it a little too much!) After lowering it to the floor,
with a big smile, he made a point of getting in and revving it up so I could hear
what my 'new truck' sounded like." —Roy Holm, Bethlehem
PA
"I was looking
to put your PowerPack system on my wife's new '97 Suburban, but you folks did not
have it available at the time. So I went ahead and purchased Borla's system. Boy,
that almost caused mutiny with my wife—the noise with their system was unbearable.
Did I make a big mistake! Anyway, with Peter's [Treydte, Engineering Manager] help,
I had you system installed and any rough waters with my wife are now calm again."
"We have been extremely
happy with both systems on the Suburban and our Class-C motorhome. They picked up
performance and mileage on both vehicles tremendously." —Kevin
B. Dunn; Montebello, CA
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"Phenomenal
is the only way to describe the Six-Gun with Speed-Loader.
I was not prepared for the dramatic improvement in power
for my 2003 Duramax. My son and I installed the unit on
Saturday and on Sunday took off on a 1200 mile trip. The
extra power was great for highway driving and for passing
slower vehicles. My truck will truly spin the tires for
the first time. Installation was a breeze and I have decided
to leave the Six Gun on level two for in town driving and
level three for most highway driving. Levels 4-6 will be
reserved for towing and special go fast situations. Thanks
for your service and for a great product. The only negative
was that there was no Banks decal in my box." —Cave
McWatters; via E-mail
"I
just wanted to tell everyone how happy I am with the Stinger
system and the company as a whole. The instructions were
easy to understand and it took all of about 5 1/2 hours
to install from start to finish. After I was done I took
the truck out for a spin, put the hammer down and… BLAST
OFF!!! I cannot believe the difference your product made.
Thanks!" —Jeff Fox; Maineville,
OH
"I
received the Stinger kit for my 2003 Chevy Duramax 2500
HD crew cab long bed 4x4 on Friday, April 25, 2003. All
the parts were packed nicely. I removed the stock exhaust
and installed the new 4" Monster Exhaust. Removal
and installation time was 15 minutes. First test drive
resulted in a 200 degree drop in exhaust temperature while
pulling the Conejo Grade at 65 mph. Exhaust note is excellent,
not loud but deep and throaty, still able to have a conversation
and listen to the radio. Turbo spooled quicker and the
truck accelerated harder from 2000 rpm to 3200 rpm.
On
Saturday I installed the TLC equipment minus the turbo
actuator. I think I need bigger brakes!! The results were
like 8 train engines pulling 4 empty rail cars. I think
this thing may be faster than my wife's V8 T-Bird. The
actuator is all I have left. As soon as I get that on,
I will give you an update on the effects that it has.
Very
pleased so far, really nice system, the truck is very strong
and the exhaust temperatures run a lot cooler." —Mel
Tufto; Newbury Park, CA
"I
recently purchased your Banks Monster Exhaust system for
my 2003
GMC dually with the Duramax diesel. The system
was very easy to install—did it myself without a
lift, in less than two hours. The quality of the system
is excellent and I love the sound it produces—not
too noisy, but it definitely has the sound of power.
The best part is the added power! It was immediately
evident
that the truck has more. Off-idle acceleration is significantly
better and it continues through out the powerband. Thanks
Banks, for another excellent product!" —Jeffrey
Luttrull; Anderson, IN
"I've
had Banks 4-inch Monster Exhaust installed on my '03
GMC Duramax 2500 Crew Cab for a couple of weeks. You may
remember me as the worrier who wondered whether the Monster
Exhaust was really worth the bucks. I also had concerns
about
the additional power I may or may not be able to feel,
the quality of installation and the exhaust note while
cruising
on the highway. To make a long story short, I could not
be happier!
The
additional power was absolutely worth the money alone!
Shift points are reached faster and, instead of being "flat" from
2900 to 3100, the engine is now eager to be there. It's
a kick in the butt! Feels like it dropped a second off
the
quarter mile. The exhaust note is much "throatier" through
the gears and then fades to an almost inaudible difference
(from stock) while cruising. Just what the Doctor ordered." —Tim
Smith; via email
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